£30k raised for Hampshire dad so far in online auction

THEY are the world’s golfing greats who have clubbed together for young Hampshire dad and quadruple amputee Alex Lewis.

But even though the charity golf day hasn’t happened yet, already more than £30,000 has been raised.

A bidding war has begun online – and it’s everything from a Caribbean holiday with pro Justin Rose to a bespoke tour bag made especially for Martin Kaymer that has got the golfing world talking.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the world’s sporting stars including Jack Nick-laus, Phil Mickelson and current Open champion Rory McIlroy have all chipped in with rare prizes for an online auction in a bid to get golf-mad amputee Alex Lewis new limbs.

Hampshire’s own Justin Rose, who trained with Alex, a former Hampshire County Juniors player when they were teens, has donated a trip of a lifetime of two business-class flights to the Bahamas and a two-night stay at the luxury Albany resort, including dinner and golf with the champion himself.

Already, that has reached £12,000.

Most of the auction, organised by Sky Sports golf reporter and European tour coach Tim Barter, will remain live until the winning bidders are announced at the end of a charity golf day held at Hampshire Golf Club in Andover tonight.

The 18-hole fundraiser sponsored by Srixon and Cleveland, has been organised by Alex’s friends Andrew Taylor, Chris Bagley, Andy Snellgrove and Malcolm Jarvis.

Tim, who trained Alex when he was 15, said: “We are overwhelmed by the response so far and many more golfers have added to the auction.

“Everyone on the European tour has been so supportive.

“Freddie Couples gave me the shoes on his feet because he had nothing else.

“After meeting up with Alex a couple of days ago, I am even more inspired.

“His positivity despite everything he has gone through is beyond comprehension.”

All money raised from the event will go to the Al Lewis Trust set up to fund rehabilitation costs, prosthetic limbs and support the ward at Salisbury District Hospital where he was treated when a common cold which developed into Streptococcus A, leading to septicaemia and toxic shock syndrome.

Alex, said: “It’s absolutely incredible. Tim Barter has been an absolute legend and I’m really looking forward to getting out on to the course for a great day with amazing people.”

For the full list of auction lots go to jumblebee.co.uk/alex-lewis. To support Alex go to alex-lewis.co.uk.

Comments

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here